More Trail Magic!

I am in awe of these people that set up portable kitchens to feed the weary hikers. Lyle has been hiking alone since his group split up in Hot Springs. He was heading for a shelter the other night but didn't quite make it before he decided he had to "pull over" for the night. So he found a spot near a highway and set up camp the mandatory 100 yards off the trail. After a restful night he came out on the highway (crossroads of NC 208 and TN 70) and low and behold there was a small sign stuck in the ground that said "Trail Magic" with an arrow pointing toward a house. Sure enough a couple has set up their garage as a make-shift kitchen and were serving up belgian waffles, beverages, TEA! (which Lyle said was very good) and pear pie. Come to find out it's a couple that thru-hiked the trail the year he retired from work (1999 I think) and decided to relocate to an area where they could be connected with the trail. Every year they open up their house to hikers for 6 weeks in the Spring to catch the northbounders and six weeks in the fall to catch the southbounders. And they do this about every day! It is amazing to me, but I have a much better understanding of how important trail magic is. We heard a lot about it, but until you experience the trail first hand you have no idea how much it lifts the spirits. Lyle said they do a bit of spreading the Gospel as well, but in a loving and positive way. What a wonderful thing they do!

Even though Lyle is not hiking with a group he talks about the hikers he's meeting who have names like Plugger, Skeeter, Outlaw and Good Time Charlie (Outlaw and GTC are a couple). And he most recently mentioned sitting down to a meal with Model T who has written several books about his hikes on the AT. This time (can you believe someone would do this more than once!) he is not planning a book but you never know. According to Lyle Model T said he never plans the books--the ideas just come to him.

He has passed Camp Creek Bald and Big Butt which stands at 4,750 feet. He really thought he was out of the woods (no pun intended) and would experience more even ground but not yet. Phone calls have been more erratic because even on the peaks he is not getting service. I think we need to have a talk with Verizon soon! He's also had some rain every day. I noticed on the weather map this morning that the AT is covered in rain again so I'm sure it was another wet night. That has made the hiking slow going but as Lyle says it's part of the experience.

He was planning on camping at Hog Back Shelter last night and is heading toward Devil Fork Gap (near Hwy 212). He has been staying in as many shelters as possible but there are still nights in the tent. He expects to be in Erwin by the end of the week if he is able to stay on the same pace as he has been. He is enjoying the freedom hiking alone allows and with company almost every night in the shelters, there is a good balance of solitude and conversation. And he has been snapping pictures! He is sending home about 800 pictures on two different CD's that he managed to burn during his stay in Hot Springs, so I should have lots to choose from to add to the site.

His next mail drop will be Elk Park, NC, 28622 in case you want to send something to him. The mailing label looks like this:

Lyle Buettner
Post Office
Elk Park, NC 28622

with a note under your return address to "Hold for Thru Hiker Lyle Buettner". I should think anything sent first class this week will get to him in Elk Park. If you want to send something to his next mail drop, it's Damascus VA.

That's all for now!